Thursday, July 31, 2008

Yesterday, I got news that Nancy Fager passed away. I first met Nancy at her son's wedding last May in Mexico and at that time she was in remission from cancer. Sweet as could be, she continued to keep touch with me through email after the wedding. When her granddaughter was born this past February, I saw her at the hospital while taking newborn portraits and found out that her cancer had returned...and with full force. She smiled and assured me, though, that she would stick around for me to photograph her at her daughter's wedding in June. She followed through and made Katie's wedding that much more meaningful and special.

There is so much sadness knowing someone who has touched your life is gone. My heart goes out to Jake, Katie, and all the family and friends who will miss Nancy dearly.

Here is a photo-collage that I put together using the many pictures I've captured of Nancy and her loved ones over the past couple years. As a reminder, you can click on the image to view it larger. My hope is that these pictures bring back warm memories and comfort knowing she was very loved.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

This lil guy was an absolute DREAM to photograph. Most babies and children don't last a good 20 minutes before at least needing a break. He was big eyes and quiet tempered for an ENTIRE HOUR.

We tried to get some giggles and smiles, but he was holding out on me. I did, however, get some other really cute expressions. He kinda looks like he's laying on ribbons of chocolate. That must be why he looks so yummy! I got a few really funny pictures where he looks a bit terrified. This one makes me think he's suspicious of the elephant over his shoulder. We had just finished up the session when Ryan started letting us know he wanted his binky or bottle....but I love the last few shots of the three of them together before they started packing up. It was such a pleasure to get my baby fix. I am definitely looking forward to seeing him again soon.

Sooo... the saying "If you fail, try try again!" is stuck in my head from my last unsuccessful attempt to get my own family portraits done. I may never be able to give myself when I give my clients with self-timer alone...so I called my good friend, and talented photographer, Debbie, to help capture some good ones. I'm so glad she could help.

I thought this construction site would make for some awesome scenery...and as these black big thingies made great backgrounds, however we didn't know it until after this shot, but they were covered in tar and ruined my cute yellow shirt. aaawww! This is what Matt and the kiddos did in between shots. Don't they look so excited for pictures?! Here's a dirty feet shot...playing at a construction site pretty much guarantees that you won't be clean when you leave. Thanks again Debbie! You're my hero!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Last night we made our own individual pizzas from scratch....and it was delicious. The kids always love to be involved cooking or baking, so they were especially excited. So excited that I found them licking their lips in their favorite chairs watching and waiting for the pizza to be done.

After a while, my husband joined them. And a while after that, the kids got bored and left Dad to supervise. I'm surprised he didn't break Niki's chair. Then Niki started attacking when it was taking too long. Finally!!! A whole 15 minutes late, the pizza is ready. When they make their own pizza, we never have problems making them finish their dinner. Oh...and I had to show off my cluttered fridge. Anyone else have one of these? Homemade pizza is always extremely filling, and I have no idea how their little bodies managed to eat their whole pizzas...but what is really amazing is they could still jump around afterwards. Why can't I do that?!

On Thursday, I wanted to unplug for a bit and take my kids to see something fun. Look no further than the local public library. Mr. STINKYFEET was giving a concert...what better children entertainment can you ask for.

For the last song, Mr. StinkyFeet asked the Parent in the crowd be set good examples for the children by volunteering to come up front and sing along. I thought "how embarrassing!...but I should be a good role model." So...spandex and all (I was dressed to workout since the YMCA is a block away)...I went up to the front so my kids would watch and be proud of me. WELL...as I was singing and dancing and imitating monkeys, alligators, and unicorns to a LARGE crowd of total strangers...my kids had stopped paying attention and even had their backs turned away from the concert. ERRRRR!!!! I get an "E" for effort, right? After the concert & YMCA, we went and did something I KNEW they would enjoy...THE POOL! Tate made a new friend who spent, literally, hours doing nothing but cannon-balls. And since Niki couldn't participate with cannon-balls (can't swim yet), she did a lot of this... She'll so considerate though, that she'll give me a 30 sec. pause from crying so that I can snap a picture of her pretending to be happy. Such a little actress. (I'm scared for her teen years)

A: It's ALWAYS a good idea to document your life with your love ones. If you're out and about, find a trashcan, a newspaper stand, a ledge and set the camera on it, set the self-timer, and squeeze everyone in the shot. Strike a pose! BUT, for that "GREAT WORK OF ART" picture that you want to blow up big for the fireplace, or canvas to hang on a accent wall of your home...those are better left to a professional.

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On Tuesday, I got spontaneous and though "We need a new picture of us!". I often regret not having the cool pictures for my family that I do for my clients' families. So, I was determined to try it myself....hummm, not as easy as it sounds. Even with lightning quick tiger moves of setting the self-timer and jumping in the shot myself, I couldn't really pay attention to what everyone else was doing. Thus, my son looks constipated in many of the shots.

But, we did get some cute Candids when I forgot the camera was on self-timer as I was messing with the camera. ...And my trusty husband always models so gracefully. :) Opps! Did I forget to warn you I was about to blind you, honey?After a while, I sort of gave up trying to get something I knew I really couldn't being in front of the camera...and we just made silly faces. Even though, I didn't get the results I wanted...it taught me something. GET SOMEONE ELSE TO DO IT!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

For EVERYONE who emails me...but there's a catch...you have to attach a picture of you holding your keys. (email: christinemay@sbcglobal.net)

SHOW ME your key's need personalization!!!

Please also include your Name, Address, & a Phone number I can use to contact you..Must send email & picture by midnight Monday, July 28th..

RULES reminder:

Each household is limited to 2 wins per 4 weeks. Limited to one entry per email address. The game is intended for past, present, & future clients (close friends and family...you already have a sweet deal ;). Prizes will be issued upon availability and will expire 180 days after win..

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Today I got a call from one of my very very first clients, who is now one of my future Brides (Elizabeth)....and she had a great idea. She said she was getting things prepared and organized for her wedding this fall and found a nice frame that held three pictures. She took three black and whites from the three past sessions she's done with me and put them in there to show a sort of "Then & Now" theme. She said she immediately thought it would be something neat to put on my website to showoff how long some of my clients have been with me. I couldn't agree more. Even though it's almost a little embarrassing since my photography equipment and technique have drastically improved in the last 5 years, I still wanted to show off all my fabulous clients I've built relationships with.

This is my first session with Elizabeth and Justin...they've been sweethearts FOREVER! They are finally getting hitched this October and I can't wait to rock it out with some super-cool photography.

? 2004

2005

2008This is Danielle, Brett, Matthew, & Sabrina...and I met them long ago because Danielle sits right next to my grandmother at work. I met them before Danielle married Brett and they took a chance and had me photograph their wedding. It was one of the first I'd ever photographed entirely on my own...talk about nervous! The pictures actually came out better than I thought...I think I shocked myself.

2005

2008

This is Lacy & Tyler Tuckness...and they were referred to me by my big mouth marketer, Karen (GOD, I LOVE HER!). Lacy & Tyler are a great couple and it has been extremely honoring to have been able to be a part of their lives continuously.

2006

Later 2006 20072008

This is Kristin & Jake...and are part of the Eudora clan that I completely adore. I am always saying how I pronounce myself an adopted family member into their family. Kristin & Jake, and their several other family, took me along with them to Mexico for their destination wedding. It was a most pleasant experience that I would remember always.

2006

2007 2007 (back home reception) 2008

And then there's Karen & Jason...where do I start. I met Karen when we both worked in the same Dean's office at Johnson County Community College, AGES AGO! I don't even know how long its been, but I basically knew the day I met her that she was someone I wanted to be friends with. We had a ton in common and she had one HELL of a personality. I'm so happy we stayed friends after working there and even though she lives 45minutes away, I adore her friendship and appreciate all that she's done for my business.

? I think 2004

2005 2007 2008Looking through my old old pictures is a trip down memory lane. I'm not a weepy person by nature, but I can tell you my eyes are probably lookin' a bit glossy right now. It's so touching to know how lucky I am to have made so many relationships while doing what I love. What more could I ask for?! Thank you to all of my loyal clients and dear friends for making my life special and career meaningful.